Antifouling in the Eye?

[Little Rascal]

Just got back from the boat:

I was scraping some old antifouling off and managed to get a tiny fleck in my eye, yes I was wearing goggles and a mask, but I must admit I got a bit complacent...

Anyway I got the fleck out ok and managed and impromtu eye bath (with an egg cup!)

It seems ok, just a little bit of dicomfort - But should I be worried? Or on the way to A and E even? Or am I overreacting?

 

[Cantata]

I think you've done quite enough giving it a bath afterwards.
Might have been different had it been wet antifouling that you were painting with. But just a flake of old paint, I'm sure I've done it many times and it was no problem to me.

 

[greenalien]

Little Rascal - You don't seem totally convinced that you've solved the problem 100% or you wouldn't have posted your message in the first place. Getting a doctor to check your eye will only take a few minutes and will ensure that there's no damage. Even a small particle of antifouling, if embedded in your eyeball, could have serious consequences. Don't be shy, the doctor really won't mind if he/she doesn't find anything wrong... When it comes to eyesight, better safe than sorry every time!

 

[davidwf]

If you are near one of the minor injuries units such as in Ipswich well worth dropping in and getting them to have a quick look if you are unsure. They will probably put some dye in to see if you have scratched the surface.

http://www.suffolk.nhs.uk/Home/Services/MinorInjuriesUnitsMIUs/tabid/894/Default.aspx

Been there done it, but they had to flick the flake off the eyeball for me with a needle, fun that was NOT.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Or am I overreacting?

Almost certainly. Wear goggles next time.

 

[Little Rascal]

Almost certainly....

Hehe, good!

 

[VicS]

As suggested above. A minor injuries unit is the place to go!

Generally I think open until mid evening 7 days per week.

You wont wait for hours and hours and hours like you will in an A&E.

 

[Little Rascal]

Thanks chaps, the fleck came out - a bit later, though I thought I'd got it at the time.

All fine today, so I should be ok. Thought it was worth a post as the 'safety instructions' dont exactly make for relaxing reading...

Many thanks!

Jon

 

[carlton]

I've had this, and it can be a bit painful.

On the plus side, the affected eye should be utterly bereft of any kind of marine growth.

 

[Little Rascal]

I've had this, and it can be a bit painful.

On the plus side, the affected eye should be utterly bereft of any kind of marine growth.

 

[noelex]

Get some ocular lubricant like Systane. Use it 5 or six times a day in the eye for the next week or longer.